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Hayward Key To Jazz Success
Posted by: Danny Hansen on August 31st, 2010
The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of the Utah Jazz.
He is only 20 years old, though he looks like he is 12. He hasn’t played in an NBA game yet. He is the Jazz’s newest rookie and he may be the key to the Jazz’s success next season. Here is a look at why the Jazz may need Gordon Hayward to remain competitive.
Jazz Lack of Depth
It was only a year ago that the Jazz had a log jam at the wing position. During the 2009-2010 season, the Jazz had numerous players that filled those spots. Ronnie Brewer, Kyle Korver, Wesley Matthews, Andrei Kirilenko, and CJ Miles all saw time at the 2 and 3. A year later, only Miles and Kirilenko remain. The Jazz helped that position this season with the signing of veteran Raja Bell, but they still are slim at the wing. Below is a projected depth chart for the Jazz.
PG: Williams/Price/Gaines
SG: Miles/Bell/Jeffers
SF: Kirilenko/Hayward/Evans
PF: Millsap/Kirilenko
C: Jefferson/Okur/Fesenko
Injury History at the Wing
Raja Bell played in only 6 games last season recovering from a wrist injury. Kirilenko missed a big chunk down the stretch of last season waiting for his calf to heal. The last 6 seasons Raja Bell and Andrei Kirilenko have averaged 53 and 63 games played per season, respectively. If the trends hold, you can anticipate there will be 25 games next season where Hayward will be playing major minutes. Those 25 games could be pivotal to the Jazz’s playoff positioning.
Wesley Matthews Effect
The 2009 offseason saw almost no movement from the Jazz. They maintained an almost identical roster to the previous year’s team that finished #8 in the West. However, the best move the Jazz made that summer was inviting undrafted rookie Wesley Matthews to training camp. Matthews showed toughness and hustle and eventually won the spot as the starting shooting guard for the Jazz. It was like the Jazz had made a significant free agent signing. They were able to get a starter without giving anything up. Now with Matthews gone, Hayward has his chance to become a rookie contributor, much like Wes.
Sloan Will Play Rookies
It has often been said that Jerry Sloan won’t play rookies. However, history shows that Sloan will play rookies, if he feels that they are ready. Wesley Matthews played in all 82 games last season, including starting in 48 of them. Paul Millsap played in all 82 games as a rookie and averaged 18 minutes a game. Andrei Kirilenko averaged 26.3 minutes a game as a rookie and played in all 82 games as well. Shandon Anderson played major minutes in the Finals as a rookie. Sloan will play rookies, but they need to be ready to contribute.
Gordon Is Not Morris Almond
I mean this as a compliment. From the limited games we saw Hayward play in the summer league, it was clear that Hayward does a lot of things well. He just doesn’t shoot it every time he touches it, like other rookies and a certain former Jazzman. In fact, it was like pulling teeth to get Hayward to shoot the ball. He looked to set up his teammates, he rebounded, and played sound defense. This mindset will get Hayward in Sloan’s good graces. And more importantly it will help the Jazz win games. And with a new roster, every player is needed, even a rookie.
Replies: 12
Views: 1005
12 Responses
You just scared the bejesus out of me with your “injury history at the wing” portion but, I’m all in baby.
he’s a rare type of players nowadays, old school like a Rip Hamilton with his efficient middle range shoot, good fundamentals, terrific on FT%, he can make his way coz he’s not like the too many 2 dimensional players of these days, Dunk, 3pts and nothing in the middle….
The key is Hayward has basketball knowledge.. The best baseball players in the field are the ones who know exactly what there resposiblity is on each pitch. “If the ball comes to me what am I going to do?” The ones who excell are the ones who always know each situation. The same with basketball. People complained about drafting Hayward but KOC and his staff knew exactly what they were doing. I think everyone will be pleasantly surprised with the way Hayward not only plays but his on court knowledge. This is why he can be a difference maker. I think it will work. Let’s see..
Thanks for the post, the thing that worries me the most and you mentioned it early is the injury potential. I love Raja Bell and I am excited about Al Jefferson, but they have dealt with some injuries lately, not to mention Memo. But injuries are something no one can control. and I imagine almost all teams are one or two injuries away from a difficult season. Hayward did look good in summer league and I believe he has the skills and knowledge to succeed in the NBA and KOC does know what it takes. The one thing Wesley had though was the need to prove himself, to show all those teams that passed on him and I am not sure Hayward will have that. I hope he does. Just can’t wait for the season to start.
wow nice article
he is going to be the thrid best jazz player during the playoff watch him make three over kobe, james (if they make finals and miami make the finals)
now i know what next blog is going to be about
A blog that is going to be like a party
1.invite anyone u want
2.try to invite jazz player
PARTY STARTS WHen u find a blog post name PARTY
Hayward is a student of the game, and I think he will feel very comfortable in the Jazz system by mid-season. Hopefully, injuries won’t surface, and Jerry can use Hayward in positions where he can succeed, in order to build up his confidence. He played well in summer league, but seemed tentative at times, as if he was afraid to make a mistake.
He will be fine. This is the perfect system for him (just like Wes). His skill set will come up big…this kid knows the game.
I wonder who booed him! Lol
This has to be the quickest turnaround any fan base has ever had with any player! EVER!
I will agree with mostly everything. I still believe AK is the key to the Jazz’s success. However, with your injury history update, I cannot argue too much. I don’t think any Jazz fans hated Heyward when he was drafted. I just think everyone was wanting a big and was shocked when it didn’t happen. I watched him when he was at Butler and a lot of highlights from the summer league. I agree with Brian, Jason, and Larry, he just really knows the game and has great potential. Just my opinion though!
I had mixed feelings about the pick at first, but leaning slightly to being happy about it once I went on the net and watched a bunch of his college highlights.
I Hayward in the summer league. I thought he showed some great moments, was pretty consistent, and even improved. He will do well Deron running the point, and Matt Harpring/ Jeff Hornecek hanging around.
This kid was a good move, and I really think he will surprise some folks.
Thank you for your good post,I really liked reading it
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